If you’re searching for a cookie that’s as festive as it is irresistible, look no further than Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. These sweet, tender bites combine creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar for a holiday treat that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, gifting to friends, or just craving a cozy afternoon snack, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies is in their simplicity—each ingredient has a role to play in creating that signature soft, crumbly texture and iconic snowy finish. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need, and why every item matters in this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines snowball cookies.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Infuses every bite with nutty flavor and a touch of extra moisture—feel free to use crunchy peanut butter if you love a little extra texture.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup + more for coating): Sweetens the dough and adds that signature snowy finish when rolled over the warm cookies.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure while keeping everything light and delicate.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little bit goes a long way in balancing sweetness and amplifying all the other flavors.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup): Bring pops of melty chocolate into every bite—mini chips work best for even distribution.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This is the first step in ensuring your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies bake up golden and tender.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until it’s light, fluffy, and looks almost like frosting—this step is crucial for that airy, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Blend in the vanilla extract, making sure it’s evenly incorporated. This little splash adds a layer of warmth that complements both the peanut butter and chocolate chips in your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and tender for that classic snowball texture.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula. This ensures every cookie is studded with little bites of chocolate, making each one a delicious surprise.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet—these cookies won’t spread much, so you can fit quite a few per batch.
Step 7: Bake
Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops won’t brown much, so focus on the edges for doneness. The aroma at this stage is absolutely heavenly!
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This first coat will melt slightly, forming a sweet layer that clings beautifully to each cookie. Once completely cool, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for the perfect snowy finish that makes Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies so iconic.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
While these cookies are already quite the stunners with their powdered sugar coating, you can add a little extra flair by dusting them with a touch of cocoa powder or sprinkling a few mini chocolate chips on top just before serving. For a festive twist, try a light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a creamy latte, or a tall glass of milk. If you’re serving a dessert platter, they’re lovely alongside fresh fruit or other bite-sized cookies like thumbprints and biscotti for a variety of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping holiday presentation, stack the cookies in a pyramid and dust with extra powdered sugar for a “snow-capped mountain” effect. Package them in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift, or serve them on a colorful platter surrounded by festive greenery for your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and delicious for up to a week—just be sure to tuck a little parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooled, sugar-coated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 2 months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving, and roll them in a fresh coat of powdered sugar if you like.
Reheating
While these cookies don’t need reheating to be delicious, if you prefer a slightly warm, meltier bite, pop one or two in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. This softens the chocolate chips just enough without melting the snowy sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but make sure it’s thoroughly stirred and not too oily or dry. The texture of the dough may change slightly, so keep an eye out and adjust with a bit more flour if needed.
What’s the best way to get the powdered sugar to stick?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar melt slightly and create a sticky base. Once they’re fully cooled, a second coat gives that classic, snowy appearance.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
This dough is naturally thick and doesn’t spread much, but to be extra sure, make sure your butter isn’t overly soft and avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking can also help maintain their round shape.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped toasted peanuts, pecans, or even a handful of toffee bits can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor to your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. Just keep mix-ins to about 1/2 cup total to maintain the perfect dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little extra joy to your kitchen, give these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies a try. They’re easy, festive, and utterly delicious—perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with a cup of something warm. Happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights featuring creamy peanut butter and mini chocolate chips, all coated generously in powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, these no-egg cookies offer a delicious twist on classic snowball cookies with a rich combination of flavors and a soft, crumbly texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Fats and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor base.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until the dough forms and no dry flour pockets remain.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute without overmixing, preserving the tender texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball, placing them approximately 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden, indicating a perfect bake without overcooking.
- Initial Coating: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly but remain warm.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: While warm, roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar so they get a beautiful snowball coating.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar one more time for the classic snowball finish before serving.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- If you prefer, mini chocolate chips can be replaced with chopped peanuts for added texture.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
